Guardian angels at death

[ltravis]

Here is a simple question. When you die, does your guardian angel stay you through the process and remain at your side at your particular judgement?

LT

 

[stbruno]

I can’t imagine our guardian angels leaving us as we approach death. In fact, I believe more angels join our guardian at the moment we approach death. When my dearly departed mother was being called to God, nearly 2 years ago…I asked her, mom are there angels here…and she said lots of them.

God is good to us all the time! And so are our guardians!
As far as judgment day, I think we stand before God alone. Our angels task is completed.

 

[water]

When my dearly departed mother was being called to God, nearly 2 years ago…I asked her, mom are there angels here…and she said lots of them.

Thank you for sharing this with us. I am sure at that moment, you were very comforted knowing that the angels were on your mother’s side.

 

[jbuck919]

I’m sorry to throw a wet blanket over this party, but I think of guardian angels as being a pleasant story told us by Sister Mary Charles Gertrude when I was in third grade. While the Church still teaches the literal existence of angels (this is in fact a bone of contention every time an ecumenical catechism is published), I do not believe that individual guardian angels are a matter of doctrine. I have certainly never heard it mentioned since those first grade classes. nearly half a century ago.

 

[jmm08]

I’m sorry to throw a wet blanket over this party, but I think of guardian angels as being a pleasant story told us by Sister Mary Charles Gertrude when I was in third grade. While the Church still teaches the literal existence of angels (this is in fact a bone of contention every time an ecumenical catechism is published), I do not believe that individual guardian angels are a matter of doctrine. I have certainly never heard it mentioned since those first grade classes. nearly half a century ago.

See CCC #336. In part it reads “…Beside each believer stands an angel as protector and shepherd leading him to life.”

And aside from that, the original question in this thread is answered to some extent by the stories of lives and legends of the Saints. For example, in Fr. F.X. Schouppe’s book “Purgatory Explained by the Lives and Legends of the Saints” (Part Second – Purgatory – The Mystery of God’s Mercy, Chapter 8) we read of a Dominican sister named Cecilia Avogadra. The chapter explains that the angels of God can sometimes console the souls in Purgatory.

After reading the book and reading other stories of Saints, I am of the opinion that our Guaridan Angel leaves us when we either (a) enter heaven for eternity, or (b) enter hell. Until such a time, our Guaridan Angels are assigned to us.

 

[ltravis]

See CCC #336. In part it reads “…Beside each believer stands an angel as protector and shepherd leading him to life.”

And aside from that, the original question in this thread is answered to some extent by the stories of lives and legends of the Saints. For example, in Fr. F.X. Schouppe’s book “Purgatory Explained by the Lives and Legends of the Saints” (Part Second – Purgatory – The Mystery of God’s Mercy, Chapter 8) we read of a Dominican sister named Cecilia Avogadra. The chapter explains that the angels of God can sometimes console the souls in Purgatory.

After reading the book and reading other stories of Saints, I am of the opinion that our Guaridan Angel leaves us when we either (a) enter heaven for eternity, or (b) enter hell. Until such a time, our Guaridan Angels are assigned to us.

Thanks for that explanation. I am thinking I need to make a commitment to praying to mine to get to know him better. It must by a real exercise in humility for an angel to protect us “lower forms” and so often just be ignored by us for it. Do we ever personally meet them after we die or once we get to heaven do they leave in anonymity? I would kind of like to thank mine personally for all he has done for me.

LT

 

[Andruschak]

Here is a simple question. When you die, does your guardian angel stay you through the process and remain at your side at your particular judgement?

LT

That is what I was taught. And here is a link to a marvelous (if somewhat long) poem on the subject and concept.

ccel.org/n/newman/gerontius/gerontius.htm

 

[RPConover]

I’m sorry to throw a wet blanket over this party, but I think of guardian angels as being a pleasant story told us by Sister Mary Charles Gertrude when I was in third grade. While the Church still teaches the literal existence of angels (this is in fact a bone of contention every time an ecumenical catechism is published), I do not believe that individual guardian angels are a matter of doctrine. I have certainly never heard it mentioned since those first grade classes. nearly half a century ago.

Check out the Eastern Catholic and Orthodox devotions to one’s guardian angel… it’s not recent and it’s not just a fairy tale for kids…

One of my favorite prayers to my guardian angel…

"Prayer to the Holy Guardian Angel"
Holy Angel of Christ, I fall down and pray to thee, my holy Guardian, given me from holy Baptism for the protection of my sinful body and soul. By my laziness and bad habits, I have angered thy most pure light, and have driven thee away from me by all my shameful deeds, lies, slanders, envy, condemnation, scorn, disobedience, brotherly-hatred, grudges, love of money, adultery, anger, meanness, greed, excess, talkativeness, negative and evil thoughts, proud ways, dissolute madness, having self-will in all the desires of the flesh. O my evil will, which even the dumb animals do not follow! How canst thou look at me or approach me who am like a stinking dog? With what eyes, O Angel of Christ, wilt thou look at me so badly snared in evil deeds? How can I ask forgiveness for my bitter, evil and wicked deeds, into which I fall every day and night, and every hour? But I fall down and pray, O my holy Guardian: pity me, thy sinful and unworthy servant (Name). Be my helper and protector against my wicked enemy, by thy holy prayers, and make me a partaker of the Kingdom of God with all the Saints, always, now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen. "

 

[Victorious]

I’m sorry to throw a wet blanket over this party, but I think of guardian angels as being a pleasant story told us by Sister Mary Charles Gertrude when I was in third grade. While the Church still teaches the literal existence of angels (this is in fact a bone of contention every time an ecumenical catechism is published), I do not believe that individual guardian angels are a matter of doctrine. I have certainly never heard it mentioned since those first grade classes. nearly half a century ago.

Check out Psalm 34:7:

The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them.

And Psalm 91:11-12:

For he will give his angels charge of you to guard you in all your ways. On their hands they will bear you up, lest you dash your foot against a stone.

And Matthew 18:10:

“See that you do not despise one of these little ones; for I tell you that in heaven their angels always behold the face of my Father who is in heaven…”

And CCC at 336:

From its beginning until death, human life is surrounded by their [the angels’] watchful care and intercession. “Beside each believer stands an angel as protector and shepherd leading him to life.” Already here on earth the Christian life shares by faith in the blessed company of angels and men united in God.

 

[ltravis]

That is what I was taught. And here is a link to a marvelous (if somewhat long) poem on the subject and concept.

ccel.org/n/newman/gerontius/gerontius.htm

Breathtaking. Absolutely breathtaking. Thanks for this treasure! I love the picture it paints and the expression of devotion of our angels. I will always have it bookmarked.

LT

 

[ktp]

After reading the book and reading other stories of Saints, I am of the opinion that our Guaridan Angel leaves us when we either (a) enter heaven for eternity, or (b) enter hell. Until such a time, our Guaridan Angels are assigned to us.

Yes, some of the books I have read regarding saints who had visions of Purgatory do say that our Guardian Angels remain with us throughout Purgatory.

 

[Andruschak]

Breathtaking. Absolutely breathtaking. Thanks for this treasure! I love the picture it paints and the expression of devotion of our angels. I will always have it bookmarked.

LT

If you like Classical Music, Sir Edward Elgar (Catholic composer in Victorian England) turned the poem into an oratorio that is still widely played all over the world.

 

[jmm08]

Thanks for that explanation. I am thinking I need to make a commitment to praying to mine to get to know him better. It must by a real exercise in humility for an angel to protect us “lower forms” and so often just be ignored by us for it. Do we ever personally meet them after we die or once we get to heaven do they leave in anonymity? I would kind of like to thank mine personally for all he has done for me.

LT

I really could be wrong on this answer – it is my own thinking. I am a protestant convert.

I suppose there is also a judgment before Jesus Christ to come for all angels and demons. If we are saved (go to heaven) I think we have a part in the judicial process. For those who go to hell, I think they also have a right to appear as witnesses in that process (to accuse or make statements concerning their injuries). In any regard, those angels who were faithful to God and His will shall not be condemned. There may be some difficult cases to decide (for example if a good angel had to follow orders from a bad boss). And those angels (demons) who made a full-knowing decision to rebel against God will be condemned to the eternal punishment. God is a just God, so God will bring all to justice – this is pretty much the source of my simple thinking on the topic. That and everything will be placed under Jesus’ feet.

So yes, I think we will “see” or know our guardian angels one way or another – at least when they are brought to judgment of some sort. After that, I don’t know (and really I know very little in the first place).

Yes, I think you will have an opportunity to say thank you. And keep in mind that angels are not inside time the same way we are. Perhaps they see us here and also see our final destiny as well and everytime before, inbetween or after. Or perhaps they only sense the things that God reveals to them or maybe their knowledge is somewhere in the middle. I suppose for many angels they are able to do as they are asked to do and that they may not understand much at all (except that they know the things that are God’s will). Our angels do not see us only as “lower forms” of God-breathed clay made flesh. They see that we are made in God’s image (although fallen) and they see our potential and if we are saved they see us becoming like Christ. Although all who become like Christ do so at varying degrees, I think it is still something that is far above an angel’s potential. So they are also often in awe of all that God is doing and worship Him in their obedience.

In any case, it is not our priority to figure out these things. Our priority really is to try to become more like Jesus (or Mary) in their virtues, in their obedience and in their sacrificial love. What God wants most is to maximize Jesus in all of humankind to the greatest degree possible. So we should be working on that and on reaching out to others.

 

[Lorik]

I can’t imagine our guardian angels leaving us as we approach death. In fact, I believe more angels join our guardian at the moment we approach death. When my dearly departed mother was being called to God, nearly 2 years ago…I asked her, mom are there angels here…and she said lots of them.

God is good to us all the time! And so are our guardians!
As far as judgment day, I think we stand before God alone. Our angels task is completed.

I’ve heard that at the time of death our angels ask the assistance of other angels b/c it’s Satan’s last chance to win our souls. You’re right God is so good to bless us w/ such devoted guardians. I’m sure mine is looking forward to the day when he can stop beating his head against the wall over me! Sometimes I laugh at how stupid of a creature I must seem to him. I’m glad he loves me anyway!

 

[Marnica01]

The question of guardian angels naturally gives rise to a lot of speculation, as evidenced by this thread. Scripture itself offers very little information about them. Someone earlier quoted several scriptures about angels, but I have to say that it is not clear that all of these are speaking about guardian angels…or that any of them are really intended to be understand literally.

Of course, Catholic piety has had 2,000 years to speculate on guardian angels, so it is not surprising that there are Catholic prayers to such as well as many private beliefs about them.

I guess I would say that my faith is in God. Maybe he has given each of us a literal guardian angel, or maybe guardian angels are symbolic of God’s loving care for each of us. Regardless, we can simply put our trust in God and let him worry about such details.

God bless!

 

[SarahR]

That is what I was taught. And here is a link to a marvelous (if somewhat long) poem on the subject and concept.

ccel.org/n/newman/gerontius/gerontius.htm

Wow. Thank you for posting this link.

 

[hays1122]

“See that you do not despise one of these little ones; for I tell you that in heaven their angels always behold the face of my Father who is in heaven.”
Matthew 18:10
I don’t understand how anyone can doubt that this verse in which Jesus Christ himself speaks, is telling us what we have a guardian angel.
“in heaven their angels” means, each one of those children has an angel which always beholds the face of God.